Secretary of Health Polanowicz pushes Gov. Patrick’s plan

Friday

Mar 1, 2013 at 6:00 AMMar 1, 2013 at 11:01 AM

By Donna Boynton TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

State Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz urged business leaders to support Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s growth plan, saying investing in transportation and education will secure the state’s role as a leader in innovation.

Mr. Polanowicz, a Northboro resident who has served as secretary for just a month, spoke at the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday.

Prior to his appointment as secretary, Mr. Polanowicz was president of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, president and chief executive officer of Marlboro Hospital, and vice president of operations at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

As secretary of Health and Human Services, Mr. Polanowicz oversees 15 state agencies with 22,000 employees and programming that supports infants, children, women, seniors and veterans.

Central Massachusetts has been the fasting growing region in the state for 10 years, Mr. Polanowicz said, adding that it is growth more by design than by accident, given the Patrick-Murray administration’s efforts and the success of businesses in the regions.

He said the continued the success of the region hinges on the governor’s proposals, particularly the transportation plan. The plan calls for a $1 billion annual investment in the state’s transportation system over the next 10 years to maintain and improve infrastructure and launch projects that will create jobs across the state. One of those projects is a $12 million proposal to widen Route 9 from Computer Research Drive in Westboro to Crystal Pond Road in Southboro.

“Some say the plan is too aggressive, some say that now is not the time. Some say, ‘Are you kidding me?’ ” Mr. Polanowicz said. “Now is the time. We can’t afford to rest. Now is the time to ensure our future success.”

Mr. Polanowicz said transportation improvements proposed by the governor are vital to continued economic growth.

“Transportation is more than just moving people from point A to point B. It is about quality of life, economic opportunity and growth,” Mr. Polanowicz said. “We all want smoother roads, better access to jobs, affordable housing and equity across the regions. Supporting the governor’s growth agenda will make that happen.”

Under the governor’s education plan, the state would fully fund Kindergarten-Grade 12 education and extended school days in schools identified as high need, as well as a $152 million increase in financial aid for college undergraduates through the Mass. Assistance for Student Success Grant program and in additional aid to state universities.

Mr. Polanowicz said there is a strong need for mental health services, including mobile crisis teams and funding to increase child psychiatric access. The governor’s budget includes investments in Health and Human Services programs to help lower health care costs, enhance public health oversight and strengthen the safety net for the state’s most vulnerable population, Mr. Polanowicz said.

Contact Donna Boynton at dboynton@telegram.com or follow her on Twitter @DonnaBoyntonTG